Sunday was our last day in windy Arrawarra & began with a morning visit to Woolgoolga. Tomoko toured the local Bollywood Markets & we had lunch at the Woolgoolga headland, a famed whale watching site. It seemed the blustery winds even kept the whales at bay but the population of hungry seagulls kept us entertained.
Monday is moving day. Feeling deprived of salt water therapy I had an early surf out the front of the park. Two feet of messy waves with no discernable bank and the water a sharky looking green-brown convinced me to cut the session short but it was good to get in the water nonetheless.
It was supposed to be an easy day - pack up the van, stock up on supplies in Coffs and a leisurely drive to our next destination - Stuarts Point. Firstly, despite the fact I took down the annex the day before, we underestimated the time it would take to pack up and our 9:30 am departure soon became 10:30 am. Secondly, trying to find a carpark near town that will fit a ute and 16 foot van is...well..trying. Driving around circles searching for the elusive parking spot and bickering with the missus is quite stressful and I was relieved with the shopping done, we were on the road again. Shaka however, seemed more relaxed.
Stuarts Point is a sleepy fishing village. The Caravan Park is located on the banks of the Macleay River and we were lucky to secure a spot with a river view. With a few hours light remaining I was keen to test my new annex skills but had a problem with a broken knob (uh..oh...double entendre alert) and had to abandon efforts until the following day.
First morning at our new locale was greeted with glassy conditions and after a short stroll over a very picturesque foot bridge, found some clean 2ft peaks to surf. Had a fun surf with not another soul in the water and I gotta say it's refreshing not having to compete for waves. It's a much more pure experience when your not trying to figure out how to out-position someone or hoping they wipeout so you can take their wave.
The northerly soon blew up which gave me a few days to suss out the fishing options. Chasing luderick seems to be a popular pastime with the local inhabitants. Tomoko though, is not too keen on them so I decided to try the beaches. Armed with fresh yabbies I hit Middle Beach at dawn, producing four bream around the 27 - 30cm mark. Not a noteworthy catch but enough for a nice meal, expertly prepared by Tomoko.
We have a few more days here until our next stop. Hope to make the most of it and catch more waves and fish. I'll let you know how I go. Until then.....GO MANLY!!!